The next day, just as dawn was breaking, the entrance to East Blade Military Academy was already bustling.
The first class of cadets had reached the moment of graduation and farewell.
Military vehicles from various settlements, along with diplomatic vehicles bearing flags of every color, filed into the parade ground.
The cadets had packed their simple belongings and gathered on the parade ground according to their respective regions.
The air was filled with the sorrow of parting, hopes for the future, and a touch of relief at the prospect of returning to familiar surroundings.
Most of the Xia Kingdom cadets were being picked up by vehicles sent from their respective settlements. They thumped each other on the shoulders, exchanged final reminders and communication codes, and promised to fight side by side again someday.
Though they had spent only a relatively short time together, the life-and-death trials and grueling training they had endured had already forged a deep bond among these young people.
On the other side of the parade ground, the foreign auditors had also gathered, reuniting with the delegations sent by their countries.
Beside the English delegation's vehicles, Elizabeth had changed into neat civilian clothes, but the East Blade Emblem pinned prominently to her chest remained.
She was speaking quietly with Sir Howard, the acting ambassador who had come to meet her.
"Elizabeth, we're very relieved back home that you returned safely and graduated successfully." Sir Howard's tone was formally restrained, but his eyes held unmistakable approval. "That equipment and those ideas you just mentioned—"
A resolute light shone in Elizabeth's blue eyes. "Sir Howard, my experience at East Blade made me realize that, with the right system and knowledge, an individual's strength can be amplified without limit."
"I believe our top priority after returning home shouldn't be to